Kamworor: I wi*l return stronger
Former world half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor says he will come back stronger next season as he hopes to put behind what has been a strange year.
The athlete, who has recovered from a freak accident in June where he was hit by a speeding motorcycle sustaining injuries on his head and ankle, says he is raring to go.
He says the accident that happened when he was doing his morning run made him miss the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships that were held last month in Gdynia, Poland.
In his absence, Uganda’s teenager Jacob Kiplimo ascended to the throne beating Kenya’s national cross country champion Kibiwott Kandie.
Kamworor who said he really wanted to be in Gdynia had previously won the 2014 (Copenhagen), 2016 (Cardiff) and 2018 (Valencia) editions of the world half marathonSpeaking to People Sport from his Eldoret home, Kamworor who was one of the athletes honoured by President Uhuru Kenyatta during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kisii County, says the time off has helped him plan clearly for the upcoming season.
“Sometimes you need to sit down and do a detailed analysis of what you want to achieve and how you will go about your plans.
For me it has been a tough season, where I have picked valuable lessons,” offered Kamworor.
“I am glad that I can now be able to do full training and in good intensity. I want to make my time off to count when I finally get to compete,” he added.
He says the cancellation of the 2020 New York Marathon owing to the coronavirus pandemic might too have been a blessing in disguise because he could not have been in top shape to defend his title.
“I can only hope the coming year will be better and generally safe for everyone. I would love to return and fight to defend my marathon title,” he said.
Kamworor is hoping he will be considered for the Tokyo Olympics marathon team despite missing in the provisional squad that was named earlier in the year before the pandemic pushed the games to next year.
He, however, will give a shot in the 10,000m team during the national trials.
“I want to be in shape and therefore put myself in contention should I be called upon to step up.
A lot can happen between now and the time the Olympics are held. I have to be hopeful just like any other athlete,” he added.
